κρατέω

I lay hold of, obtain

Definition

The verb κρατέω (krateō) fundamentally means 'to take hold of' or 'to grasp,' with a strong sense of physical or metaphorical control. In the New Testament, it primarily conveys the idea of seizing or arresting someone, as seen when the authorities 'laid hold of' Jesus (Matthew 26:4, 26:48). A second, crucial meaning is 'to hold fast' or 'to keep,' referring to maintaining a firm grip on teachings or traditions, such as holding to the truth (Mark 7:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:15). It can also denote ruling or having mastery over something, as in having power over a city or situation (Matthew 9:25, 12:11).

Biblical Usage

Κρατέω is used 46 times across the New Testament, appearing most frequently in the Gospels and Acts, often in narratives of arrest or confrontation. In the Gospels, it commonly describes the physical seizing of individuals (e.g., Matthew 14:3, 21:46). In the epistles, the usage shifts toward the metaphorical sense of holding firmly to Christian doctrine, tradition, or hope (e.g., Hebrews 4:14, Revelation 2:13, 2:25). This pattern shows a movement from literal, physical action to spiritual perseverance.

Etymology

Derived from the root κράτος (kratos), meaning 'strength,' 'might,' or 'dominion.' Κρατέω literally means 'to be strong' or 'to have power,' with its meaning evolving to emphasize the exercise of that strength through seizing, holding, or ruling. It is related to nouns like κράτος (G2904) and adjectives like κραταιός (G2900), all sharing the core concept of power and control.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges divine power and human faithfulness. It describes both the hostile 'seizing' of Christ and the believer's call to 'hold fast' to faith and sound teaching. Understanding κρατέω enriches reading by highlighting the contrast between the world's power to arrest and the Christian's spiritual power to persevere, a key theme in discipleship and endurance (Hebrews 4:14, Revelation 3:11).

In the Greco-Roman world, the act of 'laying hold' (κρατέω) often carried legal or authoritative weight, associated with arrest by officials or masters asserting control over subordinates. This cultural context of authority and control informs its use in the Gospels for arrests and in parables about debt and mastery (e.g., Matthew 18:28). The metaphorical extension to 'holding fast' to traditions would resonate in a culture that valued philosophical schools and their teachings.

λαμβάνω (lambanō, G2983) — emphasizes the act of receiving or taking, often more generally. κατέχω (katechō, G2722) — means to hold back, restrain, or possess, with a stronger connotation of retention or hindrance. ἀντέχομαι (antechomai, G472) — means to hold firmly to or cling to, often used for devotion to a person or teaching.

Word Details

Scripture References